reinforce

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrs/
• American: /ˌriːənˈfɔːrs/

Origin

From Middle French renforcer, from re- (again) + enforcer (to strengthen)

Meanings

1. (verb) To strengthen or support with additional force, material, or resources

   • The army sent more troops to reinforce their position.
   • We need to reinforce the bridge before heavy trucks can cross it.

2. (verb) To strengthen or emphasize an idea, feeling, or behavior

   • The teacher used visual aids to reinforce the lesson.
   • Positive feedback helps reinforce good behavior.

Word Forms

• noun: reinforcement
• adjective: reinforced
• adverb: reinforcingly
• gerund: reinforcing

Synonyms

• strengthen
• fortify
• bolster
• support
• enhance
• intensify
• consolidate

Memory Tricks

1. Break it into "re" (again) + "in" + "force" = to add force again
2. Think of "force" with "re" (repeat) - adding more force repeatedly
3. Visualize adding steel bars to concrete (reinforced concrete) as a common example

Related Expressions

• reinforced concrete
• reinforced door
• reinforce learning
• reinforce positive behavior

Usage Notes

Often used in military contexts, construction, education, and psychology. The word emphasizes adding strength to something that already exists rather than creating new strength from scratch.